
'^M.y^ 



COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY HAROLD ROORBACH 



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SOLON SHINGLE 

OR 

THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER 

A COMEDY IN TWO ACTS 

BY 

J. S. JONES 



New American Edition, Correctly Reprinted from the 
Original Authorized Acting Edition, with the Original 
Cast of the Characters, Argument of the Play, 
Time of Representation, Costumes, Scene and 
Property Plots, Diagrams of the Stage Set- 
tings, Sides of Entrance and Exit, Re- 
lative Positions of the Perform- 
ers, Explanation of the Stage 
Directions, ETC., and ALL OF 
the Stage Business. 

Copyright, 1890, by Harold Roorbach. 





NEW YORK 

HAROLD ROORBACH 

PUBLISHER 






THP96-306444 



SOLON SHINGLE. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



Robert Howard (^tke People's Lawyer) 

Hugh Winslow (a Merchant) 

Solon Shingle (« country Teamster) 

Charles Otis (« Clerk inWinslow' s service) 

John Ellsley {also a Clerk) 

John (a Porter) 

Tripper («« Attorney-at-law) 

Timid (a Lawyer) 

Judge of the Court 

Sheriff 

Clerk of the Court 

Thompson In/- jk 

QviKK ) Police officers 

Foreman of the Jury 
Eleven Jurymen 
Mrs. Otis {Charles' Mother) 
Grace {her Daughter) 



National Theatre, 
Boston, i8jg. 
Mr. Hudson Kirby. 
Mr. W. Marshall. 
Mr. G. H. Hill. 
Mr. W. M. Leman. 
Mr. C. H. Saunders. 
Mr. Simonds. 
Mr. G. H. Wyatt. 
Mr. Clapp. 
Mr. Haynes. 
Mr. Robinson. 
Mr. Beals. 
Mr. Samuels. 
Mr. Thomas. 
Mr. Sampson. 

Mrs. Pelby. 
Miss Anderson. 



Time of Representation — One Hour and a Half. 

THE ARGUMENT. 

Charles Otis and John Ellsley are fellow clerks in the service of 
Hugh Winslow, a merchant. Ellsley, the son of rich parents, is pro- 
digal and fast, while Otis is poor but respectable and honest, and enjoys 
the confidence of his employer. Winslow tempts Otis to give false testi- 
mony in a suit at law, offering an increase of salary as the price of the 
perjury; but on the latter's refusal to comply, he is discharged, with curses 
'from his situation. Subsequently Ellsley goes to Winslow's office, there 
meeting Solon Shingle from whom he borrows fifty dollars with which 
to replace money that he had abstracted from the safe. Otis, meanwhile. 
returns to his comfortless home and recounts to his mother and sister the 



SOLON SHINGLE, 



the secret inviolate, to all of which Otis aeree? SWi a P'^serve 

appears and denounces his former employe, who deSe hrnrn^^r, 
of innocence, is hurried off to prison. ^ ' ^ "°' ^^^^P'^e his protestations 

Circumstantial evidence bearing verv strono-W crro,-r,cf i,- j , 

of befn/unS^rh a"o:^''^'°f ^ '^PPJ' -^"^ ^^^^^ findYthaUnS 
THE J^foPL^'S JwyET''' "''^'"""' ^'^ " ^^°"^ '^ b^^°«»^ ^he wife of 

COSTUMES. 

Solon SHiNGLE._Dark, drab, old-fashioned surtout with capes -^rav 

bro.d k'- 'f '°'°''^ '["iP^^ ^'^^^' °^d ^ty'« black stock; co3ebo?ts^ 
broad brim low crowned hat; bald flaxen wig co^^nlae t)oots. 

suifrAc"; hT"^"'^"^'""'' ^'"'^ "'^ ^'"^ '^'^^'^ '" A'^t I. Ordinary 
Other Characters— Costumes of the day. 

PROPERTIES. 

Howard ^^llslev. Sealed letter, containing bank note, for 



OR. THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 



5 



stage. Scene j. — Indictment and book for clerk. Whip for Solon. 
Watch for Officer. Document for Tripper. Scene ^. — Furniture, etc., 
ad libitum. Harp as in Act I, Scene 3. 

STAGE SETTINGS. 
Act I. Scene i. 




Interior Backing 
'ZW' 



Safe 



Wesk t Oiair 



DeskW\ 



Table & ClaiTS 



Act I. Scene 3. 



•Harp 



Tahlc & ChwTS 



^ 



Table & Chairs 



Act II. Scene 3. 



niaonrr 
Witness 




I Jury I 
Hette, 




SCENE PLOT. 
Act I. 

Scene i. — A counting room in 3 c, backed with an interior drop, repre- 
senting a loft, in 4 G. Door c. in flat, opening into the loft in which are 
seen barrels, cases, etc. Desk and chair r. Safe up R. Table and chairs 
L. Dry-goods case up L. Desk at L. 3 E. 



6 SOLO.V SHINGLE. 

Scene 2. — A street in i g. 

Scene 3. — A plain chamber in 2 g. Doors R. I E. and L. I E. Tables 
and chairs R. and L. A harp up R. c. 

Act II. 

Scene i. — Same as Act I, Scene 3. 

Scene 2. — A street in i g. 

Scene 3. — A court-room in 4 o. Jury box c. against flat, with settee in 
front of it. Judge's bench R., with clerk's desk in front of it. Witness 
stand and prisoner's pen up R., between judge and jury. Long table (for 
lawyers) and chairs R. c, before clerk's desk. 12 chairs L. 

Scene 4. — A street in i g. 

Scene 5. — A drawing room in 4 g. Furniture, ornaments, pictures, etc., 
ad libitum. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

In observing, the player is supposed to face the audience. R. means 
right ; L., left ; c, centre ; r. c, right of centre ; l. c, left of centre ; D. F., 
door in the flat or back scene ; r. f., right side of the flat; L. F., left side 
of the flat; R. D., right door; l. d., left door; c. D., centre door ; i E., 
first entrance ; 2 E., second entrance; u. E., upper entrance; 1,2 or 3 
G., first, second or third grooves ; up stage, towards the back ; DOWN 
STAGE, towards the audience. 

R. R. C. C. L. C. L. 

Note. — The text of this play is correctly reprinted from the original 
authorized acting edition, without change. The introduction has been 
carefully prepared by an e.xpert, and is the only part of this book pro- 
tected by copyright. 




SOLON SHINGLE. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — A counting-room, ope7iing into a loft, in which are seen 
barrels, cases, etc. ; a desk R. ; desk L. 3 E. ; table and chairs L. ; 
a dry goods case near the desk ; an iron safe R. Door C. 

Charles Otis discovered at r. desk writing; enter Mr. Tripper, 
c. D. from L. 

Trip. Mr. Winslow has not yet returned, Mr. Otis .-' 

Cha. I have not seen him, sir. He has not been in the counting- 
room since my return. 

Trip. Is Mr. Ellsley in the store ? 

Cha. No sir, but he soon will be in sir — (continuing writing') 

Trip. Smart young man is that, Ellsley. He will one day be a 
rich man ; I think, however, you are the favorite with Mr. Wins- 
low. 

Cha. I am happy to enjoy the confidence of my employer, and 
it shall be my constant effort to deserve it. 

Trip. Say to Mr. Winslow that I called, and if he wishes to see 
me, I shall remain an hour at my lodgings. 

Cha, I will sir — (exit. Tripper, c. d. and l., passing John 
Ellsley, who enters at the same time, C.from'L.) 

John. Charley, where's the old man? 

Cha. I don't know. 

John. Do you know who that man was that just went out? 

Cha. Mr. Winslow' s attorney. He has been complimenting 
you. 

John. Has he? I'm glad of it — I wish I could raise the wind 
somewhere ; or Lawyer Tripper, or some other lawyer, will be 
jogging my memory, I'm afraid. I must take the benefit of the 
act, Charley — how much do you think I spent last week ? 

Cha. I cannot guess ; I heard you say that you had been extrav- 
agant. 

John. A cool hundred — sleigh rides, balls, etc., hot suppers do 



8 SOLON SHINGLE; 

melt up the cash. But you know nothing about it, you won't go 
in for a bit of fun. 

Cha. I cannot afford it, you know it. 

John. Didn't I offer to stand the blunt? it would not have cost 
you a red cent. 

Cha. Pleasures that I cannot afford to pay for, I cannot indulge 
in at the expense of others. John, there is one thing 1 cannot 
understand. Tell me how can clerks with small salaries spend so 
much money in imitating the habits of men of fortune ? You may 
indulge — your father is rich. 

John. Why Charley, my boy, it is not the salary the clerk depends 
upon, so much as his perquisites. They tell the story, 
Cha, Perquisites ! 

John. Yes, the self-given privilege of investing the cash balances 
—helping themselves when they find themselves short, and their 
employers with something over. 
Cha. Stealing ? 

John, Stealing ! That's the name of the science of abstraction ; 
even, if a fellow is so unlucky as to be found out ; men who spend 
for their own purposes, funds entrusted to their care, are not 
called thieves, but defaulters— not stealing, Charley, but financier- 
ing. Well, how much longer are you going to stay, working here 
by candle light ? I shall close my books. 

Cha. Mr. Winslow requested me to stay till he returned ; as I 
must be here, I prefer work to idleness. 

John. You are a favorite of the old man's— I think the old man 
is in love with your pretty sister ; if he should marry her, and take 
you in as a partner, how you would flourish. 
Cha. Don't interrupt me, now. 

John. There's a great ball to-night, and that pretty Miss Blazon 
is to be there ; I am going, and the way I'll take the shine out of 
some of the boys will be high. I shan't go till nine. Charley, if 
Mr. Winslow wants me — I wish you'd go, I'll get you a ticket. 
Cha. I cannot go, I have no wish to go. 

John. You need not tell the old man that I am going to a ball. 
He's too religious to believe in dancing. We clerks know a thing 
or two ; and sometimes hear our master's voices through thin par- 
titions, in places that they don't carry their wives. I mean to publish 
a book — call it the Clerk's Guide, to show young men from the 
country how to forget ploughing, planting, sowing, hoeing, mowing. 
Well, Charley, if you won't go, I will ; I shall go out the back 
way ; leave a key for me, I may want to come into the store after 
the ball is over, I'll have a night of it ; good-bye, Charley. 

Exit, C. and R. 
Cha. {comes forivard) A night of it! He knows not of my 
poverty, or he would not have asked me to go to a ball, or wonder 
at my refusal. Daily, sums of gold and silver pass through my 



OK, THE PEOPLE'S LAW^VER. 9 

hands, sufficient to purchase splendor and independence. Yet not 
mine. Nightly do I go to a home where poverty is ever present, 
and distress may suddenly come, with a temptation to use what is 
another's. The evil one shall not overcome me ; I can bear my 
privations. I will be honest, {goes again to desk, R.) 

Enter, Mr. WiNSLOW,/r^;« c. D. 

Win. Are you still here, Charles ? Where is Mr. EUsley ? 

Cha. He has just left the store, sir. 

Win. I will not detain you long. I wish to speak to you on a 
subject of some importance. Has my attorney called? 

Cha. He has, sir. 

\A^in. Charles, you recollect, I dare say, that some time smce. 
Colonel Spencer gave me a check on the Bank of Mobile ? 

Cha. I recollect seeing him sign a check, but I thought it was on 
a bank in the city. 

Win. No, 'twas the Bank of Mobile ; you remember he spoke 
of his extensive interest in it. 

Cha. He did speak of a bank, but I still have an impression that 
the check related to a bank here. 

Win. No doubt you think so, you are wrong — what are you 
doing now ? , 

Cha. There's a trifling error in Mr. EUsley's cash here, I m try- 
ing to trace. 

Win. Never mind that now. This check is of considerable con- 
quence to me ; and I assure you it will be greatly to your advan- 
tage to remember rightly ; for should the matter be made the sub- 
ject of a legal controversy, I must depend on your knowledge to 
evidence the facts in the case. Colonel Spencer is dead — I am 
apprehensive of trouble with his executors— just think again. 

Cha. I am thinking sir, but 

Win. The thing is undoubtedly coming to your mind as I rep- 
resent it. 

Cha. My memory is somewhat confused on the subject ; but 
reflection, seems only to confirm my first impression. 

Win. 'Tis strange. By the way, Charles, your work is hard, I 
will raise your salary, another hundred dollars. To-morrow, I 
believe, ends the quarter— take the advance. 

Cha. Sir, I thank you ; I will deserve your bounty. 

Win. But, about the check ; you will have no objection to tell 
the good Jury of the Court, should we have a trial, that you saw 
Colonel Spencer give me a Mobile check, signed by him ; remem- 
bering all the time, that in performing this little act of friendship, 
or I might sav duty, you are materially benefitting yourself. 

Cha. I will most cheerfully tell them all I know about it, for I 
should be glad to convince you of my devotion to your interests. 



lO SOLON SHINGLE; 

But not for worlds, would I testify to a circumstance, of the truth 
of which I'm not positive. 

Win. Of course not — in this case you testify upon my word ; 
should you make a small mistake, the blame be mine. The day 
may come, Charles, that will see you a partner in my establish- 
ment, as a reward for your devotion to my interests. There is 
profit and honor in connection with the name of Winslow, the 
merchant ; think of it, Charles. 

Cha. I cannot, for my life, sir, speak aught but the truth. 

Win. The truth should not be spoken at all times ; my lawyer 
shall instruct you what to say. He will lead you to the proper 
answers. 

Cha. You have mistaken my character, sir ; a lie is a lie, disguise 
it as you may. I am young, sir, but have not forgotten the pre- 
cepts of my father, or the example of my mother. 

Win, Your conscience, young man, is of too tender a kind to 
aid you in the acquirement of wealth ; you are poor — this over 
honesty will keep you so. 

Cha. I own, 1 do feel the pangs of poverty ; I have left this 
place of toil for a home, where no meal was ready to appease the 
cravings of hunger ; a fireless hearth, a mother with her children 
in tears, were my only welcome home. It was home, the home 
of honesty ; and sooner shall this body be consumed by hun- 
ger, sooner shall my tongue be torn out by the roots, than I infringe 
one little hair's breadth upon the law which says, " Thou shalt not 
bear false witness against thy neighbor." 

Enter, Robert Howard, c. ii.,from l., m a plain working-dress ; 
stops center. 

Win. Then may my curses fall on thee, thou base son of a baser 
father ; and they shall, if my influence over thy destiny is moved 
by hate. Hence, presume not again to set your foot within my 
door ; the character I will give you shall shut you from all hopes 
of another situation. You have goaded the lion, and may test his 
strength. (Charles, closing his books and preparing to leave) 

How. [aside) The Lion, no, the Viper, is disturbed, and he may 
feel his fangs. 

Cha. Mr. Winslow, I have ever done my duty — good night, sir — 
[aside) poor mother — poor sisters. Exit, c. D. and L. 

Win. Fool! [seeing Howard, %uho conies down R. ) You have 
listened to my conversation, sir? 

How. Unwillingly sir, to your harsh reproof to your clerk. I 
come, sir, on business. Will you give me an immediate answer to 
that proposition ? [holding a paper) I called this morning — you 
were out. 

Win. [7-eads) '' From the widow of Mr. Worthy." I have but 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. II 

one answer — all that the law compels me to pay is ready. I know 
my ground. She has no money ; I have. The time that must 
elapse before a judgment can be given against me, with the ex- 
penses contingent upon the continuance of the suit, will force her 
to abandon her claim ; you have my answer. 

How. And this is your answer? Do not deceive yourself, Mr. 
Winslow ; the battle is not always for the strong. I am instructed 
to inform you that the widow's claim will be defended by compe- 
tent counsel, who will, if necessary, furnish the requisite funds. I 
speak upon the authority of one who never pleads except where 
he sees oppression preying upon poverty and innocence. 

Win, I know whom you mean ; a demagogue, seeking political 
advancement, basing his ambitious views upon affected generosity 
and patriotism. The man they style the " People's Lawyer," the 
people's friend. His services may be bought by my gold. I will 
retain him myself., 

How. His services cannot be bought, sir. I have performed my 
duty, and will return your reply ; as a humble citizen I may speak 
my thoughts. Hugh Winslow, do right ; though you pile heaps 
of gold as stumbling blocks in the path of Justice, still will the 
righteous judgment overtake the evil doer. 

Win. Go, sir ; no longer insult me in my own house. I am 
determined. 

How. To do wrong. 

Win. Fellow, leave the place this instant, or I will throw you 
from a window to the street. 

How. I have little to fear from your threat ; I will spare you the 
attempt ; I shun an affray, sir, but will defend myself from any 
assault. You shall some day know who I am, and be sorry for this 
injustice. Exit C, and L. 

Win. So much for the education of the poor. Here is a com- 
mon mechanic, bullying a gentleman in college style. I thought 
Charles Otis had been more pliant to my will ; if I cannot have his 
testimony, I must make sure he's not used against me. His good' 
name is his pride, his honesty his great defense ; I must find 
means to blast this airy fabric ; Ellsley has a rich father — he is 
a profligate. I'll try him, and at once, {sits at desk, R. ) 

Enter, SoLON Shingle, C. 

Sol. Squire Winslow, how do you do ? I most broke my shanks 
on your stairs. 

Win. {interrupted^— aside) Quite well, sir. 

Sol. I kinder conjured that your shop would be shut up, but I 
see'd a hght through the winder, so I thought I'd come in. 

Win. When did you come to town ? {waiting) 

Sol. I come this morning, bright and early. Well, how do mat- 
ters and things stand with you, considerin' ? [takes chair) 



12 SOLON SHINGLE; 

Win. Much as usual, sir. [still writing and betraying much 
embarrassment — 'So'L.O'H goes to desk and looks over writing) This is 
a private affair, Mr. Shingle. 

Sol. Jest so ; well, then, you don't keer about my reading on it. 
If I pester you any, jest say so ; I'll take the hint without the 
kick. 

Win. I'm happy to see you, but I wish you had come a little 
earlier ; if you can, call to-morrow. 

Sol. Call to-morrow — I shall be dreadful busy to-morrow. I'll 
wait till you get through your pucker. I've got a case in court 
about a brindle cow, and Squire Dingle asked me how I was going 
tu svvare, and I told him I should sware like lightning agin him ; 
these are revolutionary times — my father fit in the revolution, that 
is, he druv a baggage wagon. 

Win. [aside) What devil sent him here now ? 

Sol, Mr. Winslow, you are the head horse in the temperance 
team ; and as I 

Win. You have some business with me ? 

Sol. Jest so, Mr. Winslow — what's good to cure the mumps? 

Win. Mr. Shingle, I am engaged this evening, on very par- 
ticular business ; I am now going out and shall not return. 

Sol. Jest so, well; my cattle are outside there ; there's no dan- 
ger on 'em, is there? 

Win. I presume not ; what have you got to say ? 

Sol. I've got a little account agin your society, and I want tu 
know who foots it. 

Win. Some other time I'll see about it — John, you may close 
the store, Mr. Otis has gone home. Mr. Shingle, urgent business 
compels me to leave you — come to-morrow. Exit, Winslow, c. 

Sol. Jest so — [goes up to desk R., takes ledger, sits dotvn, puts on 
spectacles, and with candle in one hand is reading) Jest so ; [read- 
ing) Cash Dr. — Dr. Cash, for Rhubarb $2000 — what a dose ! 
Dr. Cash. He is a great doctor, he cures every disease. 

'Enter, John, the porter; replaces books ; blows out candle ; having 
finished, he comes to Shingle. 

Sol. John, how du you du ? 

John. Very well, sir — when you have done with that book, sir, 
I should like to put it in the case. 

Sol. Just so, pretty writing, ain't it, now? whose is it? 

John. Mr. Ellsley's, sir. 

Sol. The dogs it is ! Old Zack Ellsley's boy, John ? His father 
and I were old cronies, and between you and me, John EUsley 
come pretty near being my son instead of Zack's. 

John. Indeed, sir, how so? [Joh'n brings chair and sits next to 
him — Solon rests his leg on John's /a/) 

Sol. How so? Why, Zack and I courted the same gal, Patty 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 1 3 

Bigelow ; and she had Zack instead of me— if she hadn't gin me 
the bag John EUsley might have been John Shingle ; however, my 
gal Nabby and John are going to get married. 

John. 1 want to shut up the store and go home. 

Sol. Jest so, well, take the light and see if my team has started. 

John. I can't spare the time, Mr. Shingle. 

Enter, Ellsley, c from L. 

El. Where's Mr. Otis? 

Sol. Gone home, sir. Mr. Winslow wants to see you at his 
house immediately. 

El. {aside) The devil he does ! I shall be too late for the ball, 
and I have no money ; [aloud) ah, daddy Shingle, I'm glad to see 
you. {aside) What the devil sent him here ? 

Sol. How de do ? where's Nabby? 

El. Nabby, yes, — she's well. John, go and tell Mr. Winslow 
that I will come to him directly. I will shut up the store and 
bring you the key. 

John. Yes, sir. [gives him keys and e-idt C. audi..) 

El. What does Winslow want with me to-night ? Has he dis- 
covered the error in my account? Charles has made a memor- 
andum ; I will destroy that, (goes up to desk v.. , finds paper left by 
Otis, tears it up atid puis the pieces in his pocket. Shingle 
has followed him about) Mr. Shingle, have you got any money? 

Sol. No great amount in value. 

El. I want fifty dollars. The key of the safe is not here. I'll 
give you an order on my father for it. 

Sol. You shall have it, as you are going tu marry my darter. 
[takes out a very large bladder, inside of which is the bag with bank 
notes) Here's the money. 

El. [has written tite order at table L.) Thank ye, sir ; {hands 
Shingle the paper and takes the bills) this must replace the sum I 
spent last night. Mr. Shingle, just be kind enough to go into the 
loft, and bring me a small case, you will find there. 'Tis a pre- 
sent for Nabbv, a very small case. 

Sol. {having read the order, &^c., lights a candle) A very small 
case, John ? Exit, c. and L. 

El. What the devil sent that fool here this time of night ? I wish 
he would fall through the scuttle— now for it. {opetis the safe and 
deposits the money) All safe for this time ; now to know what Mr. 
Winslow wants, {crash heard c. D.) 

Sol. {without, c. D.) Hollo, Mr. Ellsley ! the light's gone out. 
(enter CD.) I can't find no very small case there, [he is all over 
lampblack and flour) 

El. What have you been about? 

Sol. I went tu reach upon a shelf, the light went out, my foot 
slipped, and 



14 SOLON SHINGLE; 

El. Lampblack and whiting fell upon you. 

Sol. Jest so, but I didn't find the case. 

El. [aside) That's not strange, as there is none there, [aloud) I 
advise you to take a warm bath. This way — I'll show you the 
way. Exit, c. and L. 

Sol. Don't be so pesky quick. [^O'LOti goes up io desk, i^., and 
examines it, and finds a revolver; takes it out — looks at it) What on 
earth is this ? &c., &c. (re-enter, Ellsley, c. from L., slaps him on 
the shoulder — the pistol goes off^scene closes quickly) 

Scene II. — A street in i G.- — Night. 

Enter, Robert Howard, in a blue cloak, folloiued by a man, R. I E. 

How. Be sure that Thompson follows the directions I have 
given ; remember that I do not wish it known that I am in the city, 
(exit Man, l. i e. ) She is indeed a charming girl ; I blushed for 
the unfeeling senseless blocks that treated her thus rudely ; how- 
ever, good may come out of it ; in my disguise I shall try her 
affections, though I cannot doubt the purity of her heart, in any 
situation or under any trial. My friends may deride my low-born 
bride — but she may decline my offer when 'tis made. If I do get 
a wife, I am determined it shall be my personal attractions, how- 
ever slight their value, that shall win her. I'll make the trial. 

(Solon outside, r.) 

Sol. Whoa, there, Buck ! go along ! whoa, darn your skins ! 
run, will you ? I'll make you step out. 

Enter, SOLON, R. I E. 

How. What's the matter, friend ? 

Sol. Them cattle of mine are acting like fried snakes ; they 
ain't used to staying out late nights. 

How. Why, Mr. Shingle, is this you ? 

Sol. Jest so, Mr. Howard ; can you tell me a good tavern tu go 
tu, and put up the darned critters ? 1 went tu Mr. Winslow, just 
now, on business, and I left my cattle afore the door, and while I 
was gone somebody's gal, over the way, begun tu play on the 
planner, and that got Satan into my team tu look in and see what 
made the music ; and when I come out, I found the cattle all over 
the sidewalk, trying tu get into the winder. 

How, I am sorry for your trouble ; I will show you a good place 
to put up for the night. 

Sol. I knew you would. I'm always unlucky when I come to 
the city — I'm on law business, too. 

How. Indeed ! 

Sol. Yes ; I wonder who is the best lawyer tu go tu, on a cow 
case. Squire Dingle offered to leave it out, if I'd gin him ten dol- 
lars — there's my cattle dancing agin — they don't know city fash- 
ions ! whoa ! darn ye, Buck! 



0A\ THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 1 5 

How. Come, sir, shall I show you a house for your accommoda- 
tion ? It is late. 

bol. Jest so; I'm going into a bath, head and heels ; then I'll 
see you. Whoa I there! &c., &c. Exeunt, R. i E. 

Scene III. — A plain apartment, table with ornaments, L.; 2 
chairs R,; 2 chairs l. ; table K., on it drawings and books — a 
harp, R. c. 

Enter, Grace, l. i e — takes off her bonnet and shawl, placing them 
on a chair R. — enter Mrs. Otis, R. I E. 

Mrs. O. Grace, what detained you so long ? I was alarmed ; you 
are weeping! 

Grace, (l.) Am I ? 

Mrs. O. What has happened, Grace? 

Grace. Have the rich no feelings, or do they suppose the poor 
have no hearts ? Mother, my blood hath run as molten lead 
through my veins. 

Mrs. O. Did you not see the lady that advertised for the draw- 
ings ? 

Grace. I did see the lady. I was shown into a room where were 
assembled a large party of the lady's friends. My threadbare 
dress was the mark for their ridicule, and their glasses were leveled 
at it. 1 blushed for the things, wearing the forms of men, that 
could thus cruelly insult a female for her poverty. I shall hate 
the rich. 

Mrs. O. They are not all alike, my child. 

Grace. I conquered my feelings, and calmly walked to the table 
to display my drawings. As they passed from hand to hand, the 
lady asked her daughter what she thought of them. In most con- 
temptous terms she replied — they looked like her first attempts. 
My heart was bursting with suppressed emotion, when a voice, in 
manly tones, replied to her : "Then your first attempts were very 
beautiful, and I advise your mother to collect them immediately." 
But for this kind rehef I should have fallen on the floor. Mrs. 
Germain will send what she thinks the pictures worth. 

Mrs. O. Don't weep, Grace. Ought we longer to keep that 
harp ? Our best friends have hinted that so valuable a piece of 
furniture looks like extravagance in our humble dwelling. 

Grace. Don't ask me to part with that — the only present from 
my dear father. I wish I knew who the gentleman was that spoke 
for me at Mrs. Germain's ; I owe him double thanks. 

Mrs. O. Did you not see him ? 

Grace. I did not 

Enter, Charles Oicis, pale and dejected,!.. I E. 
Mrs. O. Are you ill, Charles ? 



1 6 SOLON SHINGLE ; 

Cha. No, mother, I am well. I have been strangely tempted to 
be dishonest, and rich. 

Mrs. O. And you resisted ? 

Cha. I did, mother — I did resist — but heaven knows it may be 
the ruin of us all. Mr. Winslow has discharged me from his 
service. 

Mrs. O. Discharged you ? for what .'' 

Cha. Because I would not lie. 

Mrs. O. You have done well. 

Cha. Mother, was my father an honest man? 

Mrs. O. Who doubts it ? 

Cha. Mr. Winslow, in his rage at my refusal to do his wicked 
will, called me the base son of a baser father. 'Twas in my mind 
to kill him for the word, but I forebore. 

Mrs. O. He uttered a falsehood, Charles. Your father's inflexi- 
ble honesty was a bar to his specious plans for wealth. 

Grace, [ivho has been at the harp, coines down R. ) Mother, we 
must sell the harp. 

Mrs. O. Grace, Charles has had no supper. Be composed ; the 
storm of adversity is gathering over our heads, 'tis true, but there 
is a Power above that can dispel the clouds, and make all sunshine 
and brightness. Exeunt, both, R. 

Cha. {a knock heard at door, L. IE.) Come in. (enter, Ellsley) 
John, is that you ? 

El. Yes ; I have just heard that we are to lose you ; I was going 
to the ball, but as soon as I heard of your quarrel with Winslow, I 
hastened to see you. 

Cha. Quarrel — -we have had no quarrel. 

El. 'Tis the same thing. I'm sorry to lose your society. Mr. 
Winslow will be sorry, too, before long — and that reminds me of a 
secret I want you to help me keep. 

Cha. I don't like secrets ; they are apt to make mischief. 

El. Not if they are well kept ; this will hurt nobody ; now 
promise not to reveal what I am going to tell you. 

Cha, I do. 

El. Then here, {taking- out watch and chain) here is the eye-tooth 
of our hard-hearted master. 

Cha. Why, John, it cannot be possible that you have really prac- 
ticed 

El. Hocus-pocus, you mean ? agrimento, presto, cockolorum, 
change, as the jugglers say ; nothing truer — master by this time 
has missed his time-keeper. He will suspect me, and I want you 
to keep it till the first fuss is over, then you shall have half its 
worth. 

Cha. Not for the world ! take it back, John, to Mr. Winslow — 
confess your fault. He will forgive you. I will not receive it. 

El. Do vou think that I am an idiot , take this back and ask for- 



Olt THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 1 7 

giveness of a man whose creed is revenge ? No. if you fefuse, I 
must talie my chance. He has wronged you, and if you had any 
spirit, you would set fire to his store, or in some way make him 
feel your revenge. 

Cha. If you ever mention such things to me agam, we cease to be 
friends. 

El. I did this thing for you ; at any rate, you will not betray me. 

Cha. I have given my word, and you must return the property. 

El. I will ; what way shall I return it and save myself a mortify- 
ing acknowledgement? 

Cha. Write a confession. I would. 

El. Do it for me, Charles, will you ? 

Cha. I will, with pleasure— (.?zV5 down at the table, R., anU 
writes: Ellsley, looking over him, slips the watch and chain into 
Charles' pocket) , , . ^ 

El. This will make all right, Charles ; I am sorry I entered into 
the business ; but as I have begun I must finish. 

Cha. There John.-that is enough. 

El Nothing could be better, keep it for me, until the morning ; 
I am going to the ball, in the dance I might drop it ; mind. 
Charles, you let no person see it. 

Cha. It shall be sacred— (/^/^« the paper, folds it, and puts it 
into his pocket) 

El. Thank you ; Charles, good night. I am sorry you can t 
come to the ball. 

Cha. Good night, John. Exit, Ellsley, l. i e. 

Enter, Grace, r. i e. 
Grace. Charles, your supper is ready ; 'tis not an inviting meal. 
Enter, Mrs. Otis. R. i e. 

Mrs. O. Charles, what did John Ellsley want with you ? I never 
liked that young man. 

Cha. A friendly injunction of secrecy is imposed upon me. 
Grace, I have no appetite for food, [a knock at the door, L. i e.) 
Come in 

Enter, Howard, l. i e., a^ a workman. 

How. Mrs. Otis, I have a note from Mrs. Germain to your 
daughter. 

Mrs. O. (taking it) Grace, read it. , , -, , 

Grace, [opens and reads; Howard observing Charles ai table) 
"Mrs Germain begs Miss Otis to accept the enclosed bank note ; 
upon a second examination of her drawings, she is pleased to say, 
she discovered their beauties, and will feel obliged if Miss Otis, 
will permit her to select from her collection still undisposed of. 



1 8 SOLOiX SHINGLE ; 

Mrs. O. Well, Grace, that is kind after all. 

Grace. Will you say to Mrs. Germain, I am gratified for her 
notice and kind enclosure? 

How. I will do so. Miss Otis, in your own words. 

Grace. That voice — 'tis he that saved me, mother— can it be? 
Sir, accept my thanks for your timely assistance this evening, I 
should have acknowledged the obligation at the door, but my 
escape, and the circumstances embarrassed me. 

How. I am repaid, Miss Otis, and regret the cause that needed 
a manly arm to protect, in the street of a city, a helpless woman 
from insult. I am most proud that from me the succor came. 

Cha. What insult was this? 

How. A drunken brawler, that annoyed your sister on her return 
from Mrs. Germain's. 'Twas my fortune to be near, and it re- 
quired a blow to convince him that he was a brute. 

Cha. Sir, I thank you for my sister ; though we are strangers, I 
trust I may know you better. 

Grace. 'Tis the voice of the gentleman — Sir — do you know — I 
mean — seen — Mrs. Germain ! 

Mrs. O. But for your appearance, my daughter had thought, 
she met you at Mrs. Germain's. 

How. Appearance ! I am what I appear ; a mechanic ! I have 
learned my trade. I have, in this capacity, served Mrs. Germain, 
and shall be glad to work for your family. Still I lose not, I trust, 
my right to the title of a gentleman, because my hands are hard- 
ened by labor. 

Mrs. O. She is in error — you speak not like a mechanic— one 
bred to toil ; but have more the manner of one that has studied in 
the halls of science. 

How. What should hinder the son of toil, when genius stimulates, 
from acquiring the highest fund of knowledge that science gives? 
Our country is a free one, and education flows from the pubhc 
fountain for all who thirst for its refreshing streams. Good night. 
{is going — a loud knock, L. IE.) Shall I open the door? 

Mrs. O. If you please. (Howard opens the door, L. i E.) 

Enter, THOMPSON a«^QuiRK, L. I E. 

The. Which is Charles Otis ? 
Cha. I am the person. 
Tho. Then sir, you are my prisoner. 
Cha. Prisoner? 

Tho, Yes, sir, to execute our duty, we must search your person. 
Cha. Stand off, would you treat me as a thief? 
Tho. A charge of theft is alleged against you. 
How. Young man, offer no resistance to the officers in the dis- 
charge of their duty. 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 19 

Cha. I have a paper entrusted to my care, which they must not 
see. 

How. Give it to me. 

Grace and Mrs. O. Charles, what does this mean ? (QuiRK takes 
the w ate }i from the pocket ^Charles) 

Tho. The property described in the warrant is here, [shows 
watch) 

Cha. I am innocent. 

Grace. How comes the watch in your possession ? 

Cha. I know not wliat this means. 

Tho. Sir, I demand to see that paper. 

How. Is that your brotlier's writing? 

Grace. It is. Charles, explain this. (Howard, after reading; 
hands paper to Thompson) 

Mrs. O. Charles Otis, am I the mother of a thief? Have I 
endured the sdngs of want, to rear a felon ! speak — if you are 
guilty, may you fall dead at my feet! 

Cha. Mother, 1 ain not guilty. 

Mrs. O. I believe you. 

How. So do I. 

Enter, WiNSLOW, L. I E. 

Win. I do not. (Thompson hands paper to Wmshow) Why is 
not that thief in prison? Madam, he is like his father. By death 
he escaped my vengeance ; so shall not the son. 

Cha. Speak of me as you will ; assail not the good name of my 
father. I am innocent. 

W^in. A jury's verdict will satisfy me better than your words — 
away with him ! 

How. Go not too far, Mr. Winslow. 

Win, What I do here, is no concern of yours. 

How. I may choose to make it so. 

Win. To prison with him ! A virtuous family is here ! 

Cha. Slanderous villain ! (Grace and Mrs. Otis holding him) 

Hold me not (Charles seizes a chair and is in the act of 

striking Winslow, when Howard interferes) 

TABLEAU. 

Thomp, Charles. Quirk. Grace. Howard. 

Mrs. Otis. Winslow. 

QUICK DROP. 



20 SOLON SHINGLE ; 

ACT II. 

Scene I. — Same as last scene of Act isi, except that there is no harp 
on — Grace discovered — in her hands an open letter which she is 
reading. 

Enter, Mrs. Otis, l. i e. 

Grace. So soon returned, mother ? 

Mrs. O. Yes child. I have seen Charles. The lawyer gives me 
but little hope ; circumstances are so strong against him, and Mr. 
Winslow urges the trial. 

Grace. Who purchased the harp ? 

Mrs. O. A stranger. I saw Robert. He assures me that 
Charles will be acquitted. 

Grace. Then there is hope. Should Robert call in my absence, 
I will soon return — (a^ Grace is going L., enter Winslow, l. i e. ) 

Win. Do not. leave the room, Miss Otis; I have something to 
say, which I wish you to hear. 

Grace. Excuse me, sir. 

Win. I may be of service to you. (Grace turning away) 
Madam, in my zeal to bring the guilty to punishment, I may have 
gone too far. If you wish your son's release, it may be well to 
listen. 

Mrs. O. Well, sir, be seated, we may listen, [all seated, Wins- 
low in center) 

Win. It is needless for me to allude to the peril which Charles 
is now in, or for me to mention your praise-worthy efforts in his 
defense. I have heard that you have disposed of part of your 
furniture to enable you to retain the services of a lawyer. 

Grace. (R. ) Sir, you will spare our feelings by confining your 
conversation to that which we do not know so well. My mother 
has reproved you ; she is unable to bear calmly our mortifying and 
painful situation. 

Win. I came in friendship, I wish not to wound your feelings ; 
you deem me, I know not why, your enemy — why is this so? 

Grace. Go to my brother's cell ; ask that innocent boy, torn from 
home, confined with thieves, ruffians, and murderers, hardened 
in crime, and amid the clank of chains — listen to his answer. 

Win. I can save him from the verdict which will for years doom 
him to the horrors of a prison. I alone can save him ; there is a 
way. I can point that way. 

Mrs. O. Save my child, and buried be all former wrongs, for- 
gotten present feelings. 

Grace. Save my brother and Heaven will reward you. 

Win. I look for the reward here. 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 21 

Grace. The means of his deliverance, sir ? do not deceive us, 
the means f 

Win. I am the prosecutor — with my concurrence there are 
many ways, a principal witness may be absent ; I will not appear 
against him. 

Mrs. O. This is evading Justice and may fail. 

Win. Let him be convicted and appeal to another tribunal ; I 
will assert my belief that he is not guilty, and be myself his bail ; 
then send him in one of my vessels on a foreign voyage, to con- 
vince the world I believe him honest, and shield him from punish- 
ment. 

Grace. I am ignorant of the forms of law, but the principles of 
justice are deeply rooted here. I do not approve of your proposed 
means. Flight implies guilt. His good name is tarnished, 
motlier ; his country's verdict alone can wash clean the stain. 

Win. So shall it be : your scruples are those of virtue, and they 
please me. I know he is innocent. I would have it appear so. 

Mrs. O. With the feelings of a mother strong within me, I would 
welcome any means that gives Charles his liberty. 

Grace. I must go to him, and comfort him in his affliction. 

Win. Stay, Miss Otis ; if we both construe alike our thoughts, I 
may share your distress and relieve it; again I tender you my 
hand, which if you take, you take my wealth, and your brother's 
safety. 

Grace. I must decline the hand ; I could not accept, if my life 
depended upon the act ; there are reasons which render it impos- 
sible. 

\A^in. Reasons ! Madam, advise your daughter ; you know her ; 
you know me ; much depends upon her answer. 

Mrs. O. Her acts are free. I cannot bias her in such a choice. 

Grace. Mr. Winslow, I once before answered such a question. 
I am now betrothed to 

Win. Do 1 understand that you now reject me ? 

Mrs. O. Not so harshly, sir. Grace ! 

Win. The form of words affects not me ; if you do reject me, 
your brother is a convicted thief ere the sun sets. Will your new 
lover marry the sister of a sentenced felon — who is he? answer 
me. 

Enter, Howard, l. i e. 

How. He is here, sir, and will answer for himself. 

Win. Indeed ! a powerful rival ! A poor mechanic dares to 
thwart the wishes of a merchant ! Have a care, sir, or I will 
prove you an accomplice in crime, with the one whose cause you 
espouse ! 

How. Sir, I know you— the difference of our positions in society 
gives me no cause of fear. 



22 SOLON SHINGLE J 

Win. Miss Otis, I congratulate you on your proposed alliance 
with this vagabond 

How, Vagabond, sir — (sfniltng) 

Win. Vagabond, yes, I repeat the word — who are you ? Marry 
him. Lady Otis. He is your brother's friend — the champion of a 
thief; himself no better. 

Mrs. O. You are a brave man, sir, thus to inflict abuse upon 
two helpless women. I envy you not the delicacy of feeling you 
possess. 

Win. There is the defender of the virtue of the name of Otis ; 
let him redress your grievances. Why does he not answer for 
himself and you ? 

How. I make no hasty answers, to angry men's words of pas- 
sion ; my answer will come, and like the thunder of Heaven, it 
shall silence your voice of impotence — my tongue in this presence 
shall not speak your proper name. 

Win. Beware how you glance at my character ; speak, if you 
dare, aught against me. 

Grace. For heaven's sake, Robert, let him not anger you I 

Win. Spiritless hind! even the weapon of speech he dare no 
longer use. How dare you, sir, hint aught against me. 

How. Go on, sir. 

Win. Retreat, sir, or with a blow I'll chastise you. 

How. Vent your rage in words, and I will hear it ; raise your 
arm to strike, and in mine own defense I stand ; beware the conse- 
quences ; no child's strength is here. 

Grace. Robert — Mr. Howard ! 

Win. A word with you. Here are the weapons gentlemen use, 
even in encounters with those beneath them, {produces pistols) To 
chastise you, I will raise you to my level. I talk not of vulgar 
blows. 

Mrs. O. This is my house! Commit no murder here. 

Win. If the ladies will withdraw, I will settle with the coward. 

How. Coward ! Do not hold my hand, madam ! Stand from 
before him ! I have listened to his insulting language ; but for 
your presence, I had shown him that he was but man, and I his 
equal ; leave us ; he dare not die in any cause. I promise that no 
blood shall be spilled. 

Grace. You promise that ? 

How. I do. 

Mrs. O. Robert, be not rash. 

Grace. He has promised, mother ; come. 

Exeunt, Grace «««(' Mrs. Otis, r. i e. 

How. We are alone, sir. The right of choice, by the barbarous 
code which governs men in their misnamed honorable meetings, is 
mine. If in this act I engage, I break my country's law and 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 23 

heaven's. You say I have wronged you ; I will give you satisfac- 
tion ; give me a weapon. (Winslow ^zt/« him a pistol) Now, sir, 
prove your manly spirit ; give me your hand ; we are strangers ; 
now, breast to breast, I fight you, thus : fire, if you dare ; I give 
you the word — fire ! 

Win. Hold ; this is murder. 

How. Indeed ! Give me your weapon, and talk of courage and 
honor elsewhere. I ask from you no degrading apology ; you 
must respect me. I ask no more from friend or foe. 

Win. I will take early opportunity to convince you, sir, what I 
dare do. I will have revenge for this, [aside and exit L. i E.) 

How. 'Tis well. I know the limits of his power. 

Mrs. Otis and Grace re-enter, R. i e. 

Grace. I am glad he is gone. 

Mrs. O. I hope .you have made no rash promise to meet this 
man. 

How. Fear not ; he will no more offend you by his presence 
here. 

Grace. Mr. Howard, we thank you. 

How. Grace, dearest Grace, call me Robert, still ; you have not 
known me long, 'tis true ; I trust his offer has not made mine, 
humble as it is, of less value. 

Grace. Robert, your prospects in life may be blasted by a union 
with the sister of a felon. 

How. Dearest Grace, let our marriage depend upon Charles' 
acquittal, and the measures I have taken will not be in vain. 

Grace. Prove my brother's innocence, and I am yours. 

How. I will do so. You will pardon me for inquiring too closely 
into your affairs. Charles has told me his story ; it shall be used 
to his advantage. This must be your home no longer. Take this 
letter, Grace, to the house with the Grecian Portico — that which 
pleased you so well, in our walk last Sunday — wait till the owner 
arrives ; he will serve you and Charles. He has heard of your 
misfortunes, and would see you. When the trial is over I will 
bring you tidings of the result. Let no anxiety tempt you into the 
Court House ; the forms of a criminal trial are too harsh for a 
sensitive mind — much less a mother's or a sister's, when a brother 
is arraigned. 

Grace. I hope all will go well. But for your persuasion I would 
have found the People's Lawyer and begged him to act in Charles' 
cause ; you know Mr. Winslow has threatened that he shall be 
against him at the trial. 

How. I am sure he will not. Fear not. Our laws are just, our 
judges honest men, our jurors are our equals. The right will pre- 
vail. 'Tis near the hour ; in our next meeting, Grace, I shall 



24 SOLON SHINGLE J 

claim you for my wife. Mother, let me call you so, be of good 
heart, (exit Mrs. Otis and Grace, b. i e.) Now, Hugh Win- 
slow, beware ! The snare your subtle thought set for the innocent 
shall close upon the guilty one. Exit, L. l E. 

Scene II — A street, with signs of attorneys, &^c., represented as 
Court street, in Boston. Solon Shingle enters, L. , with an old 
plaid cloak and umbrella — citizens, male and female, cross to R. 
and\,., and exeunt. 

Sol. I wish I could catch the plaguy critter that stole my apple- 
sarse. Where' bouts am I ? [reading- signs) I'm among the law 
shops — jest the right place to find rogues. I wonder where the 
Court House is. By Jove, I'll let folks know I fout in the revolu- 
tion, [goes up stage and talks to a man that is passing from R. to L. ) 

Enter Winslow, r. 

Win. Just as I expected. The forgery is detected — the draft 
returned, and it will be traced to me, and from the obstinacy of 
this boy I may be ruined ; I must hasten his conviction, [the man 
leaves Solon laughing, undent, L. i. E.) 

Sol. Jest so. [laughs, sees Winslow) Ah, Mr. Winslow, how 
dey do ? By Cain, I got lost this morning, or I should have been 
in to see you. 

Win. [aside] I wish, with all my heart, you had never been 
found. 

Sol. That ain't all ; I've lost my apple sarse out of the tail end 
of my waggin ; it is sich a prime lot, tu ; as good as that I sold tu 
the chap from the Southard, and in your store. 

Win. Man from the Southard — I remember — do you know what 
we were talking about that day, Mr. Shingle? 

Sol. Yes, about the revolution ; how the fellers had to eat off 
the head of a barrel, without knives or forks. Mr. Winslow, are 
you a judge of clothes? I bought this coat at a vendue and this 
umbrella — what is it worth ; cash down ? 

\A^in. I don't know, indeed ; do you think you could tell the 
story in Court, if I wished it, about the check Col. Spencer gave 
me that day ? 

Sol. The day I sold him the apple sarse ? — guess I could ; your 
clerk was there — he could tell better than me. I was figuring out 
how much caliker it would take tu make my Nabby a fashionable 
gown. But, I say, they du tell me that your clerk was a rogue. 

Win. To-day his trial comes on ; after 'tis over, come and see 
me. I should hke to talk the matter over with you, about Col. 
Spencer. 

Sol. How he laughed when I told him about the battle of 
Bunker Hill, [belt rings) 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 25 

Win. You had better come into court. I'll be there. 

Exit, WiNSLOW, R. 

Sol. Jest so, thank you ; tell the judge I'll be there. Whenever 
I hear that bell, I always consate there is trouble brewing. When- 
ever I du go tu court, I'm sure tu make some alfired mistake or 
other ; once I drove right strait intu the prisoner's stall ; they told 
me tu stand up, and I did ; they asked me if I had anything tu 
say ; says I, no ; and while they were trying me, the real rogue got 
off. But if this Otis boy stole the watch he might have stole my 
apple sarse. I'll go in, and if there's any barin on the case, I'll 
speak. I don't like tu make a speech among these law chaps. 
They work a feller up so he don't know his head from his heels ; 
I shall have law enough, I 'spose, for that John EUsley won't 
marry my Nabby ; I considered her as good as married, and now 
her markit's spoiled ; my darter and the apple sarse may work for 
the Lawyers yet — jest so. Exit, R. 

Scene III. — Coiirt room, in 4 G. ; f/te judge discovered on the 
bench R. ; before him the c/erk,Jury sitting ; r 2 lawyers, CHARLES 
Otis in prisoner s box ; sheriff in his place ; Ellslev, Thomp- 
son a«^ Quirk on seat near witness stand— WiNSLOW enters and 
sits near Ellslev as scene changes — the clerk is standing read- 
ing the indictment ; the prisoner is also standing. 

Clerk, [fnishing indictment) What say, you, Charles Otis — 
guilty or not guilty ? 

Cha. Not guilty. 

Trip, {rises) May it please your honor, gentlemen of the jury, in 
this case, Commonwealth, versus Charles Otis, for stealing a watch 
and chain, the property of Hugh Winslow, we shall occupy but 
little of your time. The evidence offered will be found so conclu- 
sive that I shall probably not find it necessary to detain you with 
any argument. I shall proceed at once to the examination of the 
witnesses. The witnesses in this case will please come forward. 

Clerk. Hugh Winslow, Peter Thompson, John Quirk, John 
Ellsley. (enter Solon Shingle — he goes to table quietly, and 
shoves them all aside ; lays down hat and whip, and offers to lay 
down utnbrella ; is prevented by officers) 

Sol. I've got in, by Cain ! 

Clerk. Are you concerned in this case ? 

Sol. Well, r spose its likely I am, or I ought to be. 

Clerk. Your name, sir ? 

Sol. Solon Shingle. 

Clerk. Solon Shingle ? 

Sol. Jest so. [business) 

Clerk. Hold up your right hands, [they do) You solemnly swear 
etc . ( all arc srvorn ) 



26 SOLON SHINGLE; 

Trip. Mr. Winslow, will you take the stand, sir ? {^he does so) 
You have had your watch stolen ? 

Win. I have, sir. 

Trip. Is the watch in Court ? [an officer hands the watch to hiDi) 
Is that your watch ? 

Win. It is, sir. 

Trip. That is all, for the present, Mr. Winslow. Mr. Thompson, 
take the stand if you please, {he does so) You arrested the prisoner .'' 

The. I did. 

Trip. State to court, if you please, what you know. 

Tho. I had a warrant for the arrest of the prisoner ; I found him 
at his house. When I made known my business he was agitated 
and denied the charge. I proposed to search him, he resisted. 

Solon by this time has fallen asleep, and snores occasionally. 

Trip. He resisted — well ? 

Tho. We searched him, and upon his person found the lost 
property. 

Trip. This is the watch you found in the pocket of the prisoner ? 

Tho. It is, sir. (SOLON snores) 

Trip. Very well. Mr. Quirk, take the stand. 

Quirk, [takes the stand) I went with Mr. Thompson, We found 
the watch and a paper, which he first gave to a young man who 
was there. 

Trip. Did he refuse to give you that paper ? 

Quirk. He did, sir. 

Trip. Very well, sir, stand down. 

Tim. I should like to ask the witness the nature of that paper, 
and that is if 

Trip. In time, sir, I will produce it soon enough for your client's 
good. 

Tim. The paper having been mentioned, I should like to know 
what it has to do with the case. 

Trip. I will not produce it now ; I know my duty, and shall per- 
form it ; next witness. 

Winslow a«i^ Tripper are in conversation; Shingle being next 
in order, an officer awakens him, and he goes to the stand. 

Sol. Jest so. 

Trip. Ah, Mr. Shingle, what do you know of this affair? 

Sol. Well, sir, I can't say ; you know there's no telling who's 
Governor till arter 'lection. So I guess. 

Trip. Mr. Shingle, I think I had the pleasure of examining you 
once before in a case. 

Sol. Yes, and you didn't get much ahead on me, did you ? 

Trip. This time you may tell what you know in your own way. 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 2/ 

Sol. Jest so. But I don't tell all I know, for nothing— as I said 
in the last war, for my father fit in the revolution. 

Trip. Never mind that, sir — an article has been stolen, as you 
are aware ; now confine yourself to this fact. 

Sol. Jest so. I was in Mr. Winslow's the other night ; I left my 
team in the street — two yoke o' cattle and a horse. 

Trip. Why tell us of that ? let your team go. 

Sol. That's what I'm coming to — my team did go, for I couldn't 
bring 'em up into the shop ; so I was talking to Mr. Ellsley there, 
about matters and things — my Nabby's getting married and soon, 
and how things worked ; Squire, I wish you'd hand me a pen 
there tu pick my tooth, I eat three cent's worth of clams, afore I 
came into court, and really believe there's a clam atween my eye 
tooth, and 'tother one next tu it. 

Judge. Mr. Shingle, this has nothing to do with the case. 

Sol. Well. I didn't say it had. Squire. 

Trip. Just confine yourself to the facts in the premises, if you 
please, Mr. Shingle. 

Sol. Well, — I don't exactly understand what you mean by 
premises. 

Trip. Why, sir, I thought every fool knew as much as that. 

Sol. Jest so ; well, as I come out of the store, I knew that my 
cattle vvould natrally look tu me, and I took off the chain. 

Jud. The watch chain, Mr. Shingle ? 

Sol. No, Squire, the back chain. 

Trip. The back chain, what's that? 

Sol. Why I tliought every fool knew what a back chain was. I 
had him there, Squire, by Cain. 

Jud. Mr. Shingle, the loss of the article is proved without your 
evidence. 'Twas found in the prisoner's pocket — as you doubt- 
less heard. 

Sol. In his pocket? 

Jud. So said the witness. 

Sol. Then his pocket must have been as big as a hog pen, to 
hold my barrel of apple sarse. 

Jud. 'Tis a watch that has been stolen. 

Sol. A watch — Then I must have been asleep while you have 
been goin' on. I know nothing about any watch. 

Jud. Then you know nothing about this case, it appears — there 
is some mistake, Mr. Tripper. 

Trip. So it appears, Mr. Shingle, how came you here ? 

Sol. Well, I come to see about my apple sarse ; but either the 
clams that I eat, or a little rum toddy that I took arterwards made 
me sleepy. 

Jud. You may stand down, Mr. Shingle, for the present. 

Sol. Jest so ; you've swar'd me then for nothing, however I'm 
ready for the next time, [stands do7vn) 



28 SOLON SHINGLE ; 

Trip. John Ellsley. Mr. EUsley, please to take the stand ; you 
have been sworn, sir ? 

El. I have, sir. 

Trip. You are a clerk in the employment of Mr. Winslow ? 

El. I am, sir. 

Trip. You have been intimate with the prisoner ? 

El. Prisoner ? I — you mean — yes, sir. 

Trip. Give us if you please a history of your knowledge of this 
affair. 

Cha. John Ellsley — tell the truth. 

Jud. Silence, prisoner — go on, Mr. Ellsley. 

El. On the morning that Charles was discharged, I called on 
him at his house. He said he had a secret he wished me to keep. 
I declined — he then offered me a watch and chain, which I knew 
to be the property of our master. He told me he had taken it, 
and offered to give me half, if I would keep it for him, which I 
refused. 

Trip. Did you not advise him to return it ? 

El. I did. He promised to do so and wrote a confession. 

Trip. Which I will now read, — [reads) " To my wronged mas- 
ter ; tempted by circumstances, which I will hereafter explain, I 
took from you your watch and chain. Conscience will not let me 
keep the ill-gotten bauble, and penitently, I implore you to receive 
it, and forgive the commission of the crime." 

Timid. Let me see the paper, — it is not signed, or proved to have 
been written by my client. 

Trip. 'Twas found in his possession — we will soon settle that. 
Mr. Ellsley, is that the handwridng of the prisoner? 

El. It is, sir — I saw him write it. 

Cha. I did write the confession. I do not deny it. 

Timid. Do not speak, sir — admit nothing. 

Trip. Mr. Ellsley, you may stand down. I shall rest the case 
here, without remark. Mr. Timid, any question you may wish to 
propose, I am ready to hear. 

Timid. May it please the Court — the case appears circumstan- 
tially to be this. I mean to say that if evidence of good character 
can avail, I can fill this court-room with such testimony. (Howard 
enters and comes forward — speaks to Chaklks and s/iakes /its /land 
— t/ien comes to TiMiD and w/iispets) I am not exactly prepared, 
but I do not doubt that if a little delay 

Trip. Certainly, sir, — by all means. 

How. I thank you, sir, — may it please your Honor, I have lis- 
tened to some of the evidence m this case, as well as the remarks 
of the learned gentlemen for the Government. I am here to speak 
in defence of that innocent young man. 

Trip. This is unfair, sir. I appeal to the Court, if this interfer- 
ence is not improper. 



OR, THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 29 

How. I shall be pleased to meet any fair argument against my 
appearance here, as counsel for that young man, the victmi, in my 
opinion, of a base conspiracy — which I think I shall be able to 
prove, unless my right to practice in this Court be denied me. 

Jud. Go on, Mr. Howard, there can be no good excuse for 
objection. 

Sol. Why, that's the People's Lawyer — things will turn, I reckon. 
Mr. Howard, I've lost a barrel of apple sarse. 

Sheriff. Silence in the Court. 

Sol. Jest so. {sih down) 

How. John Ellsley, take the stand again, {he does so with evi- 
dent unwillingness) Though the law may sometimes shield a vil- 
lain with its broad hand of power, in honest hands 'tis an engine 
the evil-doer dreads. John Ellsley, you are under oath, a solemn 
oath, and upon the words spoken by you — under the penalty of 
broken oaths — rests the fate of one who was your companion, your 
friend. I charge you, sir, with uttering what is untrue, and advise 
you to recall the dark deed which you have here committed. 

Trip. Is this brow-beating a witness — this sermonizing to be 
allowed, sir ? 

How. Speak not, sir ; by courtesy — by right — the witness is 
mine. I will use him till he speaks the truth. Look at me, sir ; 
knowest thou not that the eye of the eternal Judge is on you, that 
he has this day, with his pen of fire, written perjury, against thy 
soul. 

WiNSLOW a«</ Tripper hi anxious conversation; Yx.i.^v.^.Y attempts 
to do as WiNSLOW directs. 

How. Look not there. If you dare not meet my eye, look at 
your victim. Tell me how you will feel to see his youthful form 
wasting away in the walls of a state prison, his friends weeping 
over him as one dead, worse than dead — disgraced — and by thy 
false words. John Ellsley, ere it be too late, confess. 

El. I will confess the truth. All I have uttered is false. I 
placed the watch in his pocket — for me he wrote the confession. 
I would have ruined my friend for paltry money. Mr. Winslow 
knew it all. 

Win. 'Tis false. I knew nothing of it. 

How. Hugh Winslow, silence. A day of judgment will come 
for you. I claim a verdict of acquittal for Charles Otis. 

Jud. If Mr. Ellsley retracts his evidence, the action cannot be 
sustained. Gentlemen of the jury, the case is for your decision. 
{the jury consult — Winslow is about leaving the court) 

How. Mr. Winslow, remain ; I have procured an indictment 
against you for forgery. 

Win. Sir, do you mean to insult me ? 

Jud. Silence. 



/ 



30 SOLO A' SHLYGLE J 

Foreman of the Jury. We have agreed. 

Clerk. What say you ? 

Foreman. Not guilty. (CHARLES comes from box) 

How. [takes his hand) Officer, your duty. (Winslow zs 
arrested) 

Sol. Right side up ; jest so. (Mr. Winslow in custody of two 
officers ; animated tableau) 

Scene IV. — A street — a crowd of people pass over the stage as from a 
trial ; with thejn SoLON Shingle — when all are off, Solon 
speaks. 

Sol. Well, now, who would have once thought of sich a thing ! 
It's jest the way some fellows' mouths are jinted ; they will strain 
'em out of jint not to swalier a mouse or a grasshopper, and slide 
down an ox waggin, or a breaking up plow, so tu speak. Well, my 
gal's lucky that she didn't marry that John, arter all ; and as for 
myself, if ever anybody catches me inside of a court house agin, 
I'll agree to be proved non pompus — and that means a tarnal fool, 
according to law books. Yes, jest so. 

How. (enters) Ah, my friend, you will find your daughter at my 
house. I thank you for your assistance. I am now in haste ; the 
widow Worthy shall have her rights. Exit. 

Sol- Well, squire, that's first rate for the widder ; but look here ; 
off again ; odd critter, that lawyer ; so was his father ; jest as odd 
as three oxen ; he fit in the revolution, tu. Well, it's no use my 
travelin' round all day. These city folks will skin me out of my 
old plaid cloak, that I bought ten years ago ; hat, boots, and 
trowsers, tu, far as I know. I've been here long enough. I'll fol- 
low arter the squire, find my Nabby, buy a load of groceries, and 
get home as quick as my team will go it. When I'm in this 'ere 
Boston, I get so bewildered I don't know a string of sausages from 
a cord of wood. Jest so. Exit. 

Scene V. — A splendid drawing-room; pictures; the harp dis- 
covered— Mk^. Otis enters with Grace, l. i e. 

Mrs. O. 'Tis, indeed, a splendid mansion. It's beauties are 
dimni'd by the thoughts of the news we may hear. 

How. (enters L. I E. ) Have I kept you waiting, Grace? Charles 
has returned, has he not? He left the court house with me. 

Mrs. O. He has. 

How. Mrs. Otis, request your son's attendance here. 

Mrs. O. I will seek him. Exit, R. i E. 

Grace. Robert, this place is a perfect paradise ; what does It 
mean? How may one in your situation be intimate with the 
owner of such a mansion — and there too is my harp — what does 
this mean ? 



C/v', THE PEOPLE'S LAWYER. 3 1 

How. It means, my dearest Grace, that you are to be henceforth 
the mistress of this place that you think a paradise. I purchased 
the harp for you, Icnowing how you valued it. Grace, a clergy- 
man is in attendance with a few friends ; let that harp be the first 
present from your husband — this place is mine — I am rich. 

Enter, Charles and Mrs. Otis, r. i e. 

Cha. Mother, there stands my deliverer — Robert Howard, the 
People's Lawyer. 

Grace. Is this so, Robert ? 

How. It is. I first saw you at Mrs. Germain's ; your appear- 
ance interested me ; you character, upon inquiry, pleased me— I 
determined that my riches should have no weight in the lady's 
choice selected to be my wife — hence my disguise. 

Grace. Then you are not a mechanic ? 

How. I am. My father, though wealthy, was governed by 
caprice, and insisted upon my learning a mechanical trade, besides 
educating me for his own profession, that of the bar, which I have 
practiced with success. In my character of a working man I 
became acquainted with the misdoings of Charles' master, which 
enabled me, as his attorney, to prove your brother's innocence. 

Cha. For which, sir, accept my gratitude. 

How. Let it be considered a family matter, now. I shall aid you 
in your future plans. 

Enter, Solon, l. i e. 

Sol. Mr. Howard, that plaster you put on to my friend Winslow, 
is likely to stick ; and now he's gone to jail. 

How. He will meet his just reward — his ill-gotten gains will 
scarcely shield him from the punishment due to fraud — he is 
accused of forgery. 

Sol. Jest so — Mr. Howard, is this the gal you are going to 
marry ? 

How. Yes, sir. {to Grace) a friend of my father's. 

Grace. Yourfriends must be mine. (A? Solon) I'm glad to see you. 

Sol. My name's Shingle — I know'd your father. Miss Otis. Otis 
is a good name — but you change it for a good one tew. My 
darter, Nabby, — well, I guess I will not talk about her. I'll stay 
to the wedding and take a bit of cake home to my old woman and 
drink a glass of wine with you — and wish you good luck, and a 
dozen boys, if you want 'em — Mrs. Otis, you mustn't mind my 
talking ; you might as well try to back a heavy load up a hill, as 
stop my thoughts coming right out in homely words. 

Mrs. O. We doubt not your meaning is good. 

How. Grace, this is your home, do with all as you please — and, 



32 



SOLON SHINGLE. 



I trust, more delicately than I can — you will explain my good inten- 
tions to your friends. 

Grace. Few words will suffice — for one who has for others plead 
so well, I plead — I am interested in the result — for my sake — if not 
for his own — I trust that in the Court you will admit to full prac- 
tice — The People's Lawyer, 

Grace. 



How. 



Mrs. O. 



Cha. 



SOLo 



CURTAIN. 




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UNCLE TOM'S CABIN (NEW VERSION.) 

A MELODRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, BY CIIAS. TOWNSEND. 
PRICE, 15 CENTS. 

Seven male, five female characters (some of the characters play two parts). 
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A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS, BY CHAS. TOWNSEND. 
PRICE, 15 CENTS. 

Seven male, three female characters, viz. : leading and second juvenile men, so- 
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SAVED FROM THE WRECK. 

A DRAMA IN THREE ACTS, BY THOMAS K. SERRANO. 
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Eight male, three female characters : Leading comedy, juvenile man, genteel 
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SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. 

Act 1. The Home of thk Light-housb Keepek. — An autumn afternoon. — 
The insult. ^True to herself. — A fearless heart. —The unwelcome guest. — Only a 
foundling. — An abuse of confidence. — The new partner. — Tlie compact. — The dead 
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the jackets. — Father and son. — On duty. — A struggle for fortune. — Loved for himself. 
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torn cuff. — "There stands the murderer!" — " 'Tis false!" — The wrong man mur- 
dered. — Who was the victim ? — T.-\bleau. 

Act III. Two Dav.s Later. — Plot and counterplot. — Gentleman and convict. — 
The price of her life. — Some new documents. — The divided banknotes. — Sunshine 
through the clouds. — Prepared for a watery grave. — Deadly peril. — Father and daugh- 
ter. — The rising tide. — A life for a signature. — True unto death. — Saved. — The mys- 
tery solved. — Denouement. — Tableau. 

BETWEEN TWO FIRES. 

A COMEDY-DRAMA IN THREE ACTS, BY THOMAS K. SERRANO. 

PRICE, 15 CENTS. 

Eight male, three female, and utility characters : Leading juvenile man, first and 
second walking gentleman, two light comedians (lawyer and foreign adventurer), 
Dutch and Irish character comedians, villain, soldiers ; leading juvenile lady, walk- 
ing lady and comedienne. 'I'hree interior scenes ; modern and military costumes. 
Time of playing, two hours and a half. Apart from unusual interest of plot and skill 
of construction, the play affords an opportunity of representing the progress of a 
real battle in the distance (though this is not necessary to the action). The comedy 
business is delicious, if well worked up, and a startling phase of the slavery question 
is sprung upon the audience in the last act. 

SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. 

Act I. At Fort Lee, on the Hudson. — News from the war. — The meeting. 
— The colonel's strange romance. — Departing for the war. — The intrusted packet. — An 
honest man. — A last request. — Bitter hatred. — The dawn of love. — A northerner's 
sympathy for the South. — Is he a traitor ? — Held in trust. — La Creole mine for sale. — 
Financial agents. — A brother's wrong. — An order to cross the enemy's lines. — For- 
tune's fool. — Love's penalty. — Man's independence. — Strange disclosures. — A sha- 
dowed life. — Bepgared in pocket, and bankrupt in love. — His last chance. — The re- 
fusal. — Turned from home. — Alone, without a name — Off to the war. — Tableau. 

Act II. On the Battlefieu^. — An Irishman's philosophy.— Unconscious of 
danger. — Spies in the camp. — The insult. — Risen from the ranks. — The colonel's prej- 
udice. — Letters from home. — The plot to ruin. — A token of love. — True to him. — 
The plotters at work. — Breaking the seals. — The meeting of husband and wife. — A 
forlorn hope. — Doomed as a spy. — A struggle for lost honor. — A soldier's death.— 
Tableau. 

Act III. Before Richmond. — The home of Mrs. De Mori. — The two docu- 
ments. — A little misunderstanding. — A deserted wife. — The truth revealed. — Brought 
to light. — Mother and child. — Rowena's sacrifice. — The American Eagle spreads his 
wings.^The spider's web. — True to himself. — The reconciliation. — A long divided 
home reunited. — The close of the war. — Tableau. 

\^~ Copies tnailed^ postpaid , to any address, an raceipt of the annexed prices. „^^ 



H. THEYRE SMITH'S PLAYS. 

Price, 1 5 Cents Each. 

A CASE FOR EVICTION. One male and two female characttrs— light comedian, 
lady comedian and servant. Interior scene ; modern costumes ; lime of playing, 
thirty minutes. This breezy little play is so true to life that everybody enjo) s it 
and, as a matter of course, it is always highly successful. A young husband and 
wife have a visitor who makes them twice glad — glad when he comes and doubly 
glad when he goes. The difficulties that the young couple experience in getting 
rid of their guest, without hurting his feelings, are laughable in the extreme. 
The guest, by the way, is heard but not seen—v,\\\c\ fact gives rise to much 
comical business. No scenery whatever is required; and as every-day costumes 
are worn, the piece can be produced successfully without the slightest trouble. 

CUT OFF WITH A SHILLING. Two male and one female characters- 
juvenile man, old man and lady comedian. Scene, a sitting-room ; modern cos- 
tumes ; time of playing, forty-five minutes. An exceedingly popular play, offering 
unusual opportunities lor good acting. A young man who has married without 
his uncle's consent is cut off with a shilling. But the uncle meets, his nephew's 
wife — not knowing who she is — and is so captivated by her wit, grace and beauty 
that, on learning who she is, he changes his mind, reinstates his nephew and 
allows the latter to return the shilling. The dialogue is witty, the action rapid, 
and the situations effective. 

A HAPPY PAIR. One male, one female character — both light comedy. Scene, a 
nicely furnished room ; modern costumes ; time of playing, forty-five minutes. A 
brisk little play, full of action and giving numerous opportunities for clever work. 
While entirely free from all "low-comedy" business, it contains enough humor 
to be highly diverting. The quarrels of the "happy pair," and their final recon- 
ciliation can not fail to please, and the play is sure to give entire satisfaction 
either in the parlor or as a " curtain raiser" or afterpiece. 

MY LORD IN LIVERY. Four male and three female characters — light comedian, 
low comedian, old man, utility, lady comedian and two walking ladies. Parlor 
scene; modern costumes ; time of playing, fifty minutes. An unusually bright 
piece brimming over with wit and humor. The three young ladies who permit a 
comic servant to meet them on terms of equality under the belief that he is a 
nobleman masquerading like themselves — the happy-go-lucky young nobleman 
who is mistaken for a burglar — the comical old butler — all have a vast deal of 
laughable by-play and business. This play w^s a pronounced success in New 
York, and has been presented to crowded houses in all the principal cities of this 
country. The ease with which it may be staged, and the invariable success which 
attends it, make My Lord in Livery peculiarly adapted to the use of amateurs. 

UNCLE'S WILL. Two male and one female characters — juvenile lead, rid man 
and lady comedian. Scene, a sitting-room ; costumes, modern ; time of playing, 
thirty minutes. This brilliant little play is a prime favorite in both Europe and 
America, and is admirably adapted to the use of amateurs. The wit flashes 
like a diamond, and the dainty bits of humor scattered here and there keep up a 
constant ripple of pleased excitement. Each character is a star part. The dash- 
ing young naval officer, the comical old man — in which Mr. Davidge made t 
pronounced hit at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York — and the bright and 
spirited young lady, all are first class and worthy of the best talent in any dramatic 
club. 

WHICH IS "WHICH. Three male, three female characters— juvenile man, old 
man, utility, two juvenile ladies and old woman. Scene, a studio ; costumes, 
modern ; time of playing, fifty minutes. Excellent and much patronized by 
amateurs. The amusing perplexities of the poor artist, who can not tell which of 
his visitors is the heiress and which her penniless friend — who mistakes one for 
the other — who makes love to the rich girl, supposing that she is poor, and deter- 
mines to marry her in spite of her supposed poverty — and who finally discovers 
that he has proposed to the heiress after all — combine to make this a delightful 
play. 

C^" A ny of the above ■will be sent by ma ily postpaid, to a ny address . on receipt 
of the annexed prices. As there are several editions oj" these plays offered /or sale, 
gjod, bad and indifferent^ purchasers -will co?isult their own interests, when order- 
ing, l>y specifying Koorbach's edition. _^gS 

HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St,, New York. 



NEW ENTERTAINMENTS. 

THE JAPANESE WEDDING. 

A costume pantoininie represecitatioii of the Wedding Curenioiiy in Japanese high life. 
The company consists of the brid'.- and groom, their parents, six bridesmaids, and 
the officiating personage appropriately called the " Go-between." There are 
various formalities, including sahiams, tea-drinking, eating rice-cakes, and giving 
presents. No words are spoken. The ceremony (which occupies about 50 
minutes), with the "tea-room," tills out an evening well, though music and other 
attractions may be added. Can be represented by young ladies alone, if preferred. 
Price, 25 Cents. 

AN EVENING WITH PICKWICK. 

A Literary and Dr.unatic Dickens Entertainment. — Introduces the Pickwick Club, 
the W'ardles of Dingley Dell, the Fat Boy, Alfred Jingle, Rlrs. Leo Hunter, Lord 
Mntanhed and Count Smorltork, Arabella Allen and Kob Allen, Bob Sawyer, Mrs. 
and Master Bardell, Mrs. Cluppins, Mrs. Wellc-r, Stiggins, Tony Weller, Sam 
Weller, and the Lady Traveller. Price, 25 cents. 

AN EVENING WITH COPPERFIELD. 

A Literary and Dramatic Dickens Entertainment. — Litroduce.s Mrs. Coppertield, 
Davie, the Peggotys, the Murdstones, Mrs. (iummidge. Little Em'l\-, Barkis, 
Betsey Trotwood, Mr. Dick and his kite, Stecrforth, the Creakles, 'I'raddles, 
Rosa Dartle, Miss Mowcher, Uriah Heep and his Mother, the Micawbers, Dora 
and Gyp, and the wooden-legged Gatekeeper. Price, 25 cents. 
These " Evenings with Dickens " can be represented in whole or in part, require 
but little memorizing, do not demand experienced actors, are not troublesome to pre- 
pare, and are suitable for performance either on the plaltorm or in the drawing room. 

THE GYPSIES' FESTIVAL. 

A Musical Entertainment for Voiing People. Introduces the Gypsy Queen, Fortune 
Teller, Yankee Peddler, and a Chorus of Gypsies, of any desired number. The 
scene is supposed to be a Gypsy Camp. The costumes are very pretty, but 
simple; the diakgue bright ; the music easy and tuneful ; and the drill movements 
and calisthenics are graceful. Few properties and no set scenery required, so 
that the entertainment can be represented on any pljtform. Price, 25 cents. 

THE COURT OF KING CHRISTMAS. 

A CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. The action takes pU^ce in Santa Claus 
land on Christmas eve, and represents the bustling preparations of St. Nick and 
his attendant worthies for the gratification of all children the next day. The cast 
may include as many as 36 characters, though fewer will answer, and the enter- 
tainment represented on a platform, without troublesome properties. The cos- 
tumes are simple, the incidental music and drill movements graceful and easily 
managed, the dialogue uncommonly good, and the whole thing quite above the 
average. A representation of this entertainment will cause the young folks, from 
six to sixty, fairly to turn themselves inside out with delight, and, at the same 
time, enforce the important moral of Peace and Good Will. Price, 25 cents. 
RE CEN TL 3 " PUBL I SHED. 

ILLUSTRATED TABLEAUX FOR AMATEURS. A new series of Tableaux- 
yi7>an/s, by Martha C. Weld. In this series each description is accompanied 
with a full-page illustration of the scene to be represented. 
PART I.— MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.— Contains General Introduction, 

12 Tableaux and 14 Illustrations. Price, 25 Cents. 
PART II.— MISCELLANEOUS TABLEAUX.— Contains Introduction, 12 Ta- 
bleaux and 12 illustrations. Price, 25 Cents. 

SAVED FROM THE WRECK. A drama in three acts. Eight male, three 
female characters. Time, two hours and a half. Price, 15 Cents. 

BETWEEN TWO FIRES. A comedy-drama in three acts. Eight male, three 
fi-male characters. Time, two hours and a half. Price, 15 Cents. 

BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. A drama in five acts. Nine male, three female 
characters. Time, two hours and a half. Price, 15 Cents. 

A LESSON IN ELEGANCE. A comedy in one act. Four female characters. 
Time, thirty minutes. Price, 15 Cents. 

WANTED, A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. A farce in one act. Six male 
characters. Time, thirty minutes. Price, 15 Cents. 

SECOND SIGHT. A farcical comedy in one act. Four male, one female charac- 
ter. Time, one hour. Price, 15 Cents. 

THE TRIPLE 'WEDDING. A drama in three acts. Four male, four female 
characters. Time, one hour and a quarter. Price, 15 cents. 
VS^A ny 0/ the ahpTe tvil! be sent by inail^ postpaid, to any addresSy on receipt 

vfthe annexed prices. ^^,^^ 

HAROLD ROORBACH. Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

HELMER'S 

ACTOR'S MAKE-UP , ,,3 ,,3 ^3^-., 

yt Pratlical and Systtntaiic Guide to the Art o/ Making vj> /jr the Siagt, 




PRICE, 25 CENTS. 



With exhaustive treatment on the Use of Theatrical 
"Wigs and Beards, The Make-up and its requisite materials, the 
different features and their management, typical character 
Masks, etc. With Special Hints to Ladies. Designed for the 
'USE OF Actors and Amateurs, and for both Ladies and Gentle- 
men. Copiously Illustrated. 

CONTENTS. 

\. Theatrical Wigs. — The Style and Form of Theatrical Wigs 
and Beards. The Color and Shading of Theatrical Wigs and Beards. 
Directions for Measuring the Head. To put on a Wig properly. 

H. Theatrical Beards. — How to fashion a Beard out of crep6 
hair. How to make Beards of Wool. The growth of Beard simu- 
lated. 

HL The Make-up — A successful Character Mask, and how to 
make it. Perspiration during performance, how removed. 

IV. The Make-up Box. — Grease Paints. Grease paintL in 
sticks; Flesh Cream; Face Powder; How to use face powder as a 
Irquid cream ; The various shades of face powder. Water Cos- 
jnfetrque. Nose Putty. Court Plaster. Cocoa Butter. CrSpe Hair 
^nd Prepared Wool. Grenadine. Dorin's Rouge. " CMd Man's'* 

Rouge. "Juvenile" Rouge. Spirit Gum. Email Noir. Bear's 
Grease. Eyebrow Pencils. Artist's Stomps. Powder Puffs. Hares* 
J"eet. Camels'-hair Brushes. 

V. The Features and their Treatment. — The Eyes : blind- 
ness. The Eyelids. The Eyebrows : How to paint out an eyebrow or 

-moustache ; How to paste on eyebrows ; How to regulate bushy eye- 
trows. The Eyelashes : To alter the appearance of the eyes. The 
Ears. The Nose : A Roman nose ; How to use the nose putty ; A 
pug nose ; An African nose; a large nose apparently reduced in size. 
The Mouth and Lips : a juvenile mouth ; an old mouth ; a sensuous 
mouth ; a satirical mouth ; a one-sided mouth ; a merry mouth ; A 
sullen mouth. The Teeth. The Neck, Arms, Hands and Finger- 
nails : Fingernails lengthened. Wrinkles: Friendliness and SuUen- 
ness indicated by wrinkles. Shading. A Starving character. A 
Cut in the Face. A Thin Face Made Fleshy. 

VI. Typical Character Masks. — The Make-up for Youth : 
Dimpled cheeks. Manhood. Middle Age. Making up as a Drunk- 
ard : One method ; another method. Old Age. Negroes. Moors. 
•Chinese. King Lear. Shylock. Macbeth. Richelieu. Statuary. 
Clowns. 

Vn. Special Hints to Ladies. — The Make-up. Theatrical 
"Wigs and Hair Goods. 

Sent by mail, postpaid, to any address, on receipt of the price. 

HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 

9 Murray Street, New York. 



